Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano has pledged the government’s commitment to support wildlife tourism in Baringo County.
Miano made the pledge during the 2025 Celebrations of World UN Wildlife Day at Kiborgoch Conservancy grounds in Baringo South, where she noted that the region is endowed with rich biodiversity, which needs to be tapped.
The CS mentioned unique terrains, lakes, wildlife species, nature trails and culture, which she said puts Baringo ahead of other counties in Kenya.
She stated that the region in the past was not opened up properly for tourism activities but her ministry has begun to put a special focus on supporting the sector, which will in turn boost economies and support the local communities.
“To me, Baringo is very endowed; it’s like the gift shop that God gave Kenya and the world for people to visit and see its wonderful creation,” Miano said.
The CS enumerated some of the projects her department has implemented, including the establishment of Kiborgoch and Kabariony water pans for local communities and wildlife as well as the rehabilitation of 60 kilometres of roads in the Ruko community conservancy, which has significantly boosted conservation and tourism activities in the area.
Miano, who lauded the local communities for their admirable role of taking the lead in conservation efforts in the region, pointed out that the county is still in need of more support so as to reach its full potential.
She exuded confidence that the vast county, alongside other regions, will soon benefit from radical policies like the establishment of eco-tourism conservation enterprises and the payment of ecosystem services that are geared towards supporting the wildlife economy.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Wildlife Silvia Museiya thanked residents for maintaining their indigenous culture and knowledge, which she said is crucial in wildlife conservation.
“Your diverse cultures are keeping this wildlife, which you are seeing around, alive,” she said.
Museiya encouraged the locals to continue relating well with wildlife, which will be a resource to them if well protected.
Governor Benjamin Cheboi encouraged local and foreign tourists to make it a habit of visiting the county and sampling the unique, breathtaking sites for adventure and gaining knowledge.
He allayed fears over a misconception that the county is insecure, noting that all areas are secure for visitors following the government’s efforts to end cattle rustling and banditry in the north rift region.
Baringo South Member of Parliament Charles Kamuren, in his remarks, urged both levels of government to come up with a home-based tourism model which will directly benefit the community.
He said that the initiative will provide a source of income and foster a sense of community involvement in tourism development while also contributing to environmental preservation and sustainable practices.
This year’s World Wildlife Day National celebration is being held in Baringo at Lake Bogoria Conservancy.
United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated every year on 3 March to celebrate wild animals and plants. It recognises the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet every year.
This year’s celebration theme is Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.
According to Kenya Wildlife Service Director General, Prof. Erastus Kanga, the day is used to celebrate achievements in the wildlife sector. He alluded to the fact that wildlife is bringing income to people’s pockets, citing the example of Mzee Joshua Chesire from Mogotio, who breeds reptiles like tortoises and giant lizards for sale.
The event was also marked across the country in KWS regional conservation areas.
During the event, the 16 conservancies in Baringo County launched their joint status report and were supported with a cheque of Sh31 million from the Kenya Wildlife Service to boost their operations.
By Benson Kelio and Christopher Kiprop
